Preserving Benton County's Heritage Since 1949
Explore records, photographs, and stories from the people and places that shaped our community.
Search Our DatabaseWelcome to the Benton County Historical Society & Museum
Preserving the stories, artifacts, and heritage of Benton County, Minnesota since 1949.
Upcoming Event
Stories Among the Stones: A Lantern Tour of the Benton County Cemetery — Part II
October 15, 2026 • 5:30 PM • Benton County Cemetery
Join us for Part II of our popular lantern tour of the Benton County Cemetery — uncovering stories of those who came before us, including victims of the 1886 Cyclone and early settlers. Post-tour social hour with refreshments and a viewing of our authentic 1880s funeral coach.
Sauk Rapids, Benton Co., Minn.
📅 Today in History
United States
• 1863 Lincoln designates last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day
• 1913 Federal Income Tax signed into law (at 1%)
Minnesota
• The Mississippi River begins in Itasca State Park in Minnesota.
• No water flows into Minnesota from another state or province.
Benton County
• The first Board of County Commissioners under state organization met at Watab on September 14, 1858.
• Benton was one of only three original Minnesota counties officially opened to settlers.
📷 Picture of the Day
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